Running Free - A Wild Horse Tale

Horse Responsibility - Agreement

Horse Responsibility - What it Takes

Overview of Horse Responsibility

So you've decided you want a horse. Congratulations! Owning a horse and building that special bond/relationship is very rewarding. However, owning a horse is not a spur of the moment decision to make. Careful planning and commitment are required before you even go looking at possible horse prospects. Horses can live to be 30+ years old. Owning a horse is a lifetime commitment to the horse. Horses depend entirely on humans to care for them, even adopted wild horses. It is your duty to provide food, water, shelter, and health care for the horse from the moment you purchase until the moment they pass away. Before you buy/adopt, honestly assess your ability to provide the requirements to care for the horse; this includes both physical requirements, and the money to pay for them.

Some things to consider before you make that final decision to get a horse:

• How much time do you have to devote to your new horse?
• What will you use your horse for (trail, show, pleasure, etc.)?
• Where will you keep your horse?
• Do you want to be able to ride your new horse immediately?
• What size of horse will suit your needs best?
• What age (young or old) horse will suit your needs best?
• Which sex will be better for you?
• What type of personality will suit your needs best?
• If you are not available, who will feed/care for your horse?
• Do you have enough money to cover the routine costs of horse ownership?
• How will you pay for emergency vet or farrier visits?

Horse Responsibility Agreement

This agreement requires you to do the due diligence in determining whether or not you should own a horse.

Additional versions of the agreement for your convenience:

• Printable version of the agreement [pdf]. [Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download this program for free. ]
• Downloadable version of the agreement [doc] to keep for your records.